Carefully Think
- This week we will continue to look at how the book of Psalms affects our faith. We will look specifically at the imprecatory and messianic psalms.
- Read through the following psalms: 7, 35, 58, 69, 85, 109, 137. What does the psalmist say about his enemies? Why does this not contradict the gospel of Jesus in the New Testament? Or does it? If you think so, explain.
- Read through the following psalms: 2, 8, 22, 69, 110. These are often referred to as Messianic psalms; those that speak of the coming of the Messiah. What characteristics do you learn about the Messiah? What indicators are there in each passage that this refers to the future Messiah and not someone else?
Prayerfully Meditate
- When would it be right to pray similarly to the psalmist in the imprecatory psalms? What is ultimate in the heart of the psalmist when he prays for his enemies with such violent intent? How should these psalms inform our own confidence in God?
- What about the Messiah is to be worshiped as a result of reading the Messianic psalms? What do you learn about him? How does the psalmist respond to him and what does that suggest about our own responses to him?
- List a number of ways the psalms could and should affect our faith in God. What tends to hinder these effects? What would stimulate them?
Intentionally Act
- How could this book affect your approach to worshipping with God's people this week?
- How should you view and respond to the events of your week in light of what you have read in this book? Are there specific sins to confess? Praises to express? Thanksgivings to make?
- The psalms are a book of prayers and songs. As you consider what we will be singing this week, what will we be singing about God? Can you find some of these themes in the book of psalms? How will you sing them with the church this week?
- Pray for those who will be leading our gathering this week: Joel Conrad, music; Brandon Ferguson, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
- Review and meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will sing this week. Listen to each of them so that you know them well enough to sing with understanding and zeal.